Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Laukhowa Beel's Decline Threatens Goalpariya Folk Culture Legacy
Once a beautiful lake called Laukhowa Beel, it was a special place where a famous singer named Pratima Barua Pandey got ideas for her Goalpariya folk songs.
This lake was full of fish and birds long ago.
After the royal family lost some land, the lake was leased out, and over time, people took over parts of it.
Now, much of the lake is gone, and its beauty is faded.
People who love the culture and nature want the government to help save what's left of the lake, so the songs and memories of the singer are not forgotten by future generations.
They suggest the government could take it over, just like they did with another important place.
The historic Laukhowa Beel, a source of Goalpariya folk songs and inspiration for Pratima Barua Pandey, is in decline.
Originally spread over 300 bighas, the beel has been significantly encroached upon due to lack of proper management by its owners.
The Assam State Acquisition of Zamindaris Act of 1954 impacted the estate's properties, contributing to later management challenges.
Successors leased the beel to fish traders, leading to neglect and further degradation of its natural state.
Local advocates are urging the State government to intervene for the revival of the beel to preserve its cultural legacy.
- Who
- Successors of the Gauripur Royal Estate and local advocates
- What
- The decline and encroachment of the historic Laukhowa Beel, a site vital to Goalpariya folk culture and the legacy of singer Pratima Barua Pandey.
- When
- Post-1954 Zamindari Acquisition Act, with ongoing issues of encroachment and decline.
- Where
- Laukhowa Beel, Gauripur town, Assam
- Why
- Lack of proper management by successors due to low income and interest, leading to encroachment and dilution of the beel's natural beauty and cultural significance.
Local Advocates
Current Management
Beel Management and Revival
Local Advocates
Urge State government to initiate dialogue with successors for revival, suggesting a government takeover similar to Hawa Mahal, to preserve the beel's glory and the legacy of Pratima Barua Pandey.
Current Management
The beel was leased to fish traders due to low income of successors, leaving it to the mercy of fishermen, indicating a struggle with proper management and financial viability.
Impact of Zamindari Acquisition
Local Advocates
The Assam State Acquisition of Zamindaris Act of 1954 led to the loss of considerable immovable properties for the estate's successors.
Current Management
Following the Act, the estate's successors managed the beel until Prakitish Barua's death, after which the beel's management became more precarious.
- Location
- Northeast side of Gauripur town
- Original Size
- Over 300 bighas
- Historical Significance
- Source of Goalpariya folk songs, inspiration for Pratima Barua Pandey
- Current Status
- Half of the area encroached upon, beauty and glory diluted
- Legal Context
- The Assam State Acquisition of Zamindaris Act, 1954
- Advocacy
- Call for State government intervention and dialogue with successors